In a move that’s shocked no-one, hit US drama, The Good Doctor, has been renewed for a second season.
The show has undoubtedly been a resounding success. Its Australian premiere drew in a massive 1.06 million viewers for Channel Seven and the show has consistently entered the top five in our local ratings ever since.
And, it’s no wonder. The Good Doctor has managed to resonate with global audiences with its sincerity and messages of inclusivity.
To prove it, the drama even picked up a Humanitas Prize for its pilot episode, an honour awarded to film and television programs which “promote human dignity, meaning, and freedom”.
The praise centres on lead Freddie Highmore’s portrayal of Dr Shaun Murphy, a brilliant young surgeon with autism and savant syndrome, who relocates from the country to the prestigious St. Bonaventure hospital’s surgical unit.
Freddie Highmore as the “Good Doctor”, Shaun Murphy.
Speaking to TV WEEK about The Good Doctor, Freddie emphasised the duty he feels comes with portraying Shaun.
“There’s a huge amount of responsibility and research that comes with it,” Freddie says. “I wanted to make sure Shaun was portrayed as authentically as possible in regards to his autism.
“It was important to construct an individual who has autism and also savant syndrome, but isn’t defined by those two conditions.”
Arguably, The Good Doctor in part owes its success to the gap left by creator David Shore’s previous smash hit, House. Their similarly no-nonsense leads with their unorthodox approaches to medicine make for refreshing viewing amongst the reality shows and sitcoms.
In a press release announcing the early renewal, ABC Entertainment president Channing Dungey, praised the show’s triumph.
“The Good Doctor’s message of inclusiveness resonates with our viewers,” he says.
“This series has quickly joined the zeitgeist and broken records in the competitive television landscape.”
Though unconfirmed, season two it’s expected to consist of 18 episodes and air later this year.
